40th Irish Festival returns with 5K race, festivities in Richmond’s Church Hill

Mar 22, 2026 - 19:25

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40th Irish Festival returns with 5K race, festivities in Richmond’s Church Hill

RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) — The grass is always greener somewhere, but it was definitely greener in Church Hill this weekend as the annual Irish Festival returned to the Richmond neighborhood for its 40th year.

The festival took place between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. on both Saturday, March 21, and Sunday, March 22, on North 25th Street, bringing live music, food, games and dance to Church Hill.

Attendees had the opportunity to enjoy a parade on Saturday and participate in a five-kilometer race, the HillTopper 5K on Sunday. Now in its 10th year, organizers with the Rotary Club of Church Hill said proceeds from the race support local organizations.

"It's our biggest one yet," said president Emily Kirkpatrick.

(Mark Morales/8News)

Kirkpatrick said that the annual tradition is growing, with over 360 participants signed up for the 5K this year, compared to 345 last year. This also marked the first time the Rotary Club presented medals for runners to celebrate its 10th anniversary.

The HillTopper 5K is a refreshing way to kick off festivities in the morning, which the Rotary Club said was thanks to the club's partnership with the Irish Festival.

"It's a little different than a lot of races -- we have walkers, we have runners, we have all different athletic abilities," Kirkpatrick said. "It's a great way to get out with your neighbors in the Church Hill neighborhood or if you're from anywhere around Richmond."

(Mark Morales/8News)

Festival goers also had a chance to support vendors and local craftspeople at the event. There were Irish and Highland dances as well as bagpipes, filling the streets with tunes and fun.